Tag Archives: nothing gained

Can’t squeeze water from a boiling stone

Posted on May 7, 2018 by

焼け石に水 (Yakeishi ni mizu; “Water on a hot stone”) Definition: A situation where you shouldn’t expect much. A drop in the bucket. A negligible amount of aid or effort, like a little splash of water against a hot stone, which … Continue reading →

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Tiger ventured, tiger gained?

Posted on March 15, 2015 by

虎穴に入らずんば虎子を得ず (Koketsu ni irazumba koji wo ezu; “If you don’t go into a tiger’s lair you won’t get a tiger cub.”) Definition: Nothing ventured, nothing gained. You won’t succeed at anything special if you’re not willing to stick your neck … Continue reading →

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